MARTIAL LAW IN AMERICA?

"The Presidential executive orders are in place, Fusion Centers and FEMA detention camps are operational, and 20,000 US troops have been trained to deal specifically with economic collapse and civil unrest and are ready to be deployed immediately."


Someone asked me recently what would happen if martial law was put into place in America.  The article below answers that question. 

http://www.shtfplan.com/gerald-celente/gerald-celente-economic-martial-law-will-be-declared_08012011

HOW CAN WE TRUST THEM? THE VACCINE DEBATE

New revelation about high ranking CDC official who played a key role in the H1N1 propaganda scare, and pushed vaccines on young children... This evidences her lack of integrity and concern for children and should finally settle your trust issue. Isn't it time to look elsewhere for advice?  The second link reveals the neurological disorder that comes with the swine flu vaccine.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/10/28/cdc-director-arrested-for-child-molestation--bestiality.aspx

http://www.naturalnews.com/033816_swine_flu_vaccines_neurological_disorders.html

US: Veteran Scott Olsen Could Be The First Person To Die At A Wall Street Protest -- Society's Child -- Sott.net

US: Veteran Scott Olsen Could Be The First Person To Die At A Wall Street Protest -- Society's Child -- Sott.net: http://www.sott.net/articles/show/236754-US-Veteran-Scott-Olsen-Could-Be-The-First-Person-To-Die-At-A-Wall-Street-Protest

THREE PEOPLE, ONE JESUS

 

Akiane Kramarik painting Prince of Peace at age 8

The above painting was created by a girl who claims that she makes regular visits to Heaven.  Many of her paintings are inspired by what she sees while in Heaven.  The fascinating part is that two other people (perhaps more) saw this painting and immediately realized it was Jesus.  Three people recognized this same man as Jesus. Two saw him in Heaven and one saw him in a dream. 

If you read the book Heaven is For Real, you will see this same painting in the book.   This is the painting that Colton Burpo recognized as Jesus, the man he met in Heaven when he almost died on the operating table.  The links below are stories about three people who met Jesus.  The last story was written by someone who read the book Heaven is For Real and saw the painting of Jesus in the book and then recognized him as the same man in her dream. 
http://youtu.be/MBNMtPlBD0Y
 http://youtu.be/QdUGoFTfP7w
http://michellewegner.com/2011/03/16/heaven-is-for-real/

How To Make Gourmet Caramel Apples

How To Make Gourmet Caramel Apples

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT book review

                                                     

"Every single thing you do matters.  You have been created as one of a kind.  You have been created in order to make a difference.  You have within you the power to change the world."
Andy Andrews

The Butterfly Effect shows how your everyday actions can make a difference for generations to come. Through inspiring stories, The Butterfly Effect, by Andy Andrews, shares the secret of a life of permanent purpose, where every decision and action you make in life matters, not only today, but for the future. 

When you understand that every action matters, every result of our actions immediately improves! A life of permanent purpose will make you a better parent, a better spouse and a more valuable friend. The Butterfly Effect illustrates the unique power of the individual. 

When Andy Andrews was 23, homeless and scared, he was given guidance by an old man named Jones: "When you know that everything matters...that every move counts as much as any other...you will begin living a life of permanent purpose, which will make you a better parent, a better spouse, and a more valuable friend.  Your productivity and financial success will soar to new heights while the old days of uncertainty, doubt, and depression fade into the past."


That conversation changed Andy Andrews.  It became the guiding force that produced the kind of author and speaker he has become.  
"When we understand that every action matters, every result of our actions immediately improves," said Andrews.  Our decisions become wiser and more cautious when we live a life of permanent purpose.  


If you're wondering how significant your life is or if you make a difference.  If you question whether the universe even notices your existence, then you should read this small but mighty book, The Butterfly Effect.

"In 1963, Edward Lorenz presented a hypothesis to the New York Academy of Science.  His theory, stated simply, was that:

A butterfly could flap its wings and set molecules of air in motion, which would move other molecules of air, in turn moving more molecules of air--eventually capable of starting a hurricane on the other side of the planet.


Lorenz and his ideas were literally laughed out of the conference...Therefore because of the idea's charm and intrigue, the so-called butterfly effect became a staple of science fiction, remaining for decades a combination of myth and legend spread only by comic books and bad movies."


More than 30 years later, physics professors working from colleges and universities worldwide concluded that the butterfly effect was authentic, accurate, and viable.  Today it is known as The Law of Sensitive Dependence Upon Initial Conditions.

The Butterfly Effect is a series of short stories about people who made decisions and discoveries that affected billions of people for centuries to come. 


But the greatest story within its pages is your story: "There are generations yet unborn whose very lives will be shifted and shaped by the moves you make and the actions you take today.  And tomorrow.  And the next day.  And the next...You have been created in order that you might make a difference...Your life and what you do with it today...matters forever."
Go to the link below and click on The Butterfly Effect book cover.
http://www.simpletruths.com/movies.asp

GIRL'S NIGHT

                                                     
My house was filled with chatter last night.  My husband calls it a hen party.  We call it girl's night.  This month was my turn to be hostess, and I'm always amazed at how I must keep moving to get it all done.  I had prepared the spiced pumpkin soup and bread pudding the day before, and still I was constantly on the move the day my guests arrived.  It was a good kind of busy because these girls deserve to be pampered.  I even made a trip to the local Friday Farmer's Market to buy fresh apples.  They were dipped in caramel and given as gifts when it came time for our goodbye hugs.  

For five years now I've been part of a circle of friends who meet once a month to share a meal and catch up on our lives.  Six women sitting around a table laughing, talking about our kids, our work, and our struggles.  At times things get personal.  Tears are shed and we feel free to let them flow.  We're among friends.  This is what life's about. 

                                                         

Last night a few tears were shed when I suggested that we focus on really getting to know each other.  I had a list of questions and a sand timer so everyone would get a chance to answer.  The sand timer didn't work.  But the question brought out many things we had been holding inside, things that needed to be shared.  

It took us an hour to get around the table with a single question:  "What was the most challenging thing you've ever done?"  One woman shared the struggle of getting through college and now wondering why she can't find that job she imagined at the end of it. She wonders if she wasted a lot of time and money and she feels like she's in limbo.  She questions where she is in life and where she's going.

Three of us gave the same answer.  Our biggest challenge was going through divorce and facing motherhood as a single parent.  That was my answer.  I shared the incredible loneliness I felt for two years after my divorce.  My friend across the table in front of me agreed and admitted she still feels that loneliness every day.  That's when the tears came.

                                                           
By the end of the night we came to the conclusion that women do need connections with other women.  And when we don't have those connections our marriages suffer.  I recalled feeling lonely and isolated in my first marriage after my son was born.  I felt a deep longing to be part of a woman's group, to have a place where I could share the struggles of being a new mom and a new wife.  Because I didn't have anyone to fill that need, I depended on my husband for emotional support.  It was a role he couldn't fill.

I'm so glad I had the courage to ask these women to be my circle of friends.  They fill that void in my life that was put there by God.  He created us to need each other.  He created women to need mentors. Although God is our greatest source of strength, he knows we need more.  We need human contact too.  Titus 2 offers a biblical model for women mentoring women.  Our relationships should be interpersonal within the church and within our daily lives.

I think of Mary and how she received such comfort and encouragement from Elizabeth after learning that she was pregnant. Mary was filled with uncertainties and she needed the wisdom of a godly woman.  Elizabeth put Mary at ease.  She calmed her fears and gave her encouragement.  She offered understanding.  Without Elizabeth, Mary would have remained in a stressed state.  But after talking to her friend she felt more confident, stronger, and could see her future from a better perspective.

Next post I'll share the story of what inspired me to start a woman's group and how it all began.  Maybe you'll be inspired to start your own group.  Below is the recipe for Fruity Bread Pudding.  They liked the pumpkin soup, but dessert was a bigger hit.

                                                         

                                      Fruity Bread Pudding 
                        (from Cooking Light, Coombe Books, Ltd.) 


3/4 Cup Raisins
3/4 Cup Currants
3/4 Cup Golden Raisins
3/4 Cup Prunes chopped
Finely grated rind and juice of one orange
8 thick slices of whole wheat bread, crusts removed
1/4 Cup butter softened
1/2 Cup brown sugar
1 1/4 Cups whole milk
2 eggs lightly beaten
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cardamon


1. Put all the dried fruit, orange rind and orange juice into a large bowl and mix well

2. Put about half of the mixed fruit into the base of a lightly buttered ovenproof serving dish

3. Spread the bread with butter and cut each slice into squares 

4. Arrange half of the bread squares over the fruit in the base of the serving dish 

5. Sprinkle with half of the brown sugar, then repeat the layers once again, finishing with a layer of sugar


6. Whisk together the milk, eggs, nutmeg, cardamon, and cinnamon.  Pour the mixture over the bread pudding and allow to stand for one hour. 


7. Bake the pudding in a preheated oven, 375 degrees for about 35-40 minutes or until crisp on top but still soft at the bottom.  Serve hot or at room temperature.  Serves 6

Always Learning: Finding Godly Girlfriends

I love discovering great blogs.  This one that I came across today answered many questions I've been pondering lately.  The blog is titled Always Learning, and that's one thing that I never stop doing.  God is still molding me and I have much to learn and much to improve on.  Yesterday I caught myself contributing to the gossip mill when I shared a comment a woman had made to me at my daughter's birthday party.  This woman is known for her blunt remarks that come out sounding not so nice.  When someone else confessed to being hurt by her comments, I couldn't resist sharing my own experience.  And I immediately felt lousy after I said it.  It seems I'm constantly being put to the grindstone lately.  God is stripping away my pride and molding me into a more humble person. 


It's not easy to be humble.  It's hard to remain silent when people say rude things.  And I wonder at what point do I become a doormat if I remain silent.  Being humble requires dying to self.  But how much dying must I do?  Must I completely ignore my own well-being in order to be like Jesus.  I guess when we consider what Christ did on the cross the answer is yes. 


I've made a lot of mistakes with my own mouth lately, so I guess I shouldn't gossip about other people who do the same.  When I come across a woman who is rude or a woman who enjoys correcting my mistakes, I need to remind myself that she probably suffers from low self-esteem or insecurity and I need to feel compassion for her instead of anger.  I need to look at the deeper issue that might be causing her behavior.  That's not easy to do when my human nature wants to give her a lecture.


Yes, as Christians we are always learning.  Because there is so much to learn.  And making mistakes is part of the process.  I'm learning to forgive myself when I mess up.  Writing a blog like this and being a speaker sets me up for high expectations of my words and actions.  But I have to remind myself that I'm flawed like everyone else.  I have to remember that I'm still learning too, and sometimes I'm going to blow it.  Maybe that's the key to being humble.

Always Learning: Finding Godly Girlfriends: We were just getting ready to pray and she exclaimed, "I need to go outside for some fresh air. My heart has been hurting and the pain is...

LEAN YEARS AHEAD

http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/the-new-reality-for-u-s-cities-no-money-for-street-lights-roving-packs-of-wild-dogs-and-open-air-drug-markets

Changes that are coming (and not political) - Humanity Healing Community

Changes that are coming (and not political) - Humanity Healing Community

GLUE TO DECEIVE YOU

We have to watch for GLUED meat!  Be sure to watch this......you will be shocked The next time that you are at the grocery store go to the pre-packaged meat coolers and look closely at the list of the countries on the label of any of the packaged meats (which is a mandatory FDA law) that shows where that meat came from. Buy only meat that came from USA or Canada

I'd go a step further and only buy meat from local butchers that you can trust.  I totally understand why people become vegetarians.  This video is shocking & everyone should be aware of what they are doing and what you are buying!!! Click on: http://d.yimg.com/nl/australia/site/player.swf?vid=24472661&repeat=0&browseCarouselUI=hi

BAD DAY CUPCAKES

Chocolate on chocolate.  Scroll down for the recipe

RECIPE FOR A BAD DAY

Many women have an emotional tie to food although they don't like to admit it.  After a bad day, a woman I know likes to tear into a bag of chips.  For many women, only chocolate can soothe the fallout of a bad day. Although I know that the better thing is to pray my way through a bad day, I do find myself reaching for chocolate when I'm feeling stressed.  Chocolate cake with chocolate icing is at the top of my list of comfort foods.  This is the best chocolate cake recipe I found and I have tried many.  The icing is from Martha Stewart and the cake recipe was given to me by a woman who once made and decorated wedding cakes.  This recipe makes about 16 cupcakes.  I would double the recipe for a layer cake.

                                                 One Bowl Chocolate Cake

3/4 Cup Dutch Cocoa
1 1/2  Cups Flour
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 Cup buttermilk
3 Tablespoons Safflower oil (I use peanut oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 Cup warm water

Directions  Sift dry ingredients beat on low speed.  Raise speed to medium, add eggs milk, water, oil, and vanilla.  Beat 3 minutes.  Bake at 350 for 15 to 18 minutes for cupcakes. 

                Martha Stewart Ultimate Chocolate Frosting 

3 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
12 Tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions In a small bowl sift together the conf. sugar and cocoa powder.  Add butter, vanilla, and milk; beat until smooth and free of lumps.  ( I add the vanilla first and then add milk slowly until the right consistency is reached.  You may not need to add all the milk). 

Pennsylvania, US: Mystery booms, rumbling was caused by earthquake -- Earth Changes -- Sott.net

Pennsylvania, US: Mystery booms, rumbling was caused by earthquake -- Earth Changes -- Sott.net: http://www.sott.net/articles/show/236341-Pennsylvania-US-Mystery-booms-rumbling-was-caused-by-earthquake

DON'T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN

When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, ...ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.  And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.  Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? -  Luke 12:54-56

"Many people tend to let there watchful guard down because of the statement that Jesus made saying that we don’t know the day or the hour of His return and that only the Father knows that day and hour, (Matthew 24:36).  This is true but Jesus also commands us to be watchful of the times and seasons so that that Day does not come upon us as a snare, (Luke 21:35 & Mark 13:35-37).  There are more admonitions from our Lord Jesus about watching the times and seasons than there are about not knowing the day or the hour.  In fact, Jesus rebuked the people of His day for not knowing the time of their visitation, (Messiah Jesus’ first advent), even though they could predict the weather by watching the sky, (Luke 12:54-56)."
http://www.raptureready.com/soap/leasher15.html 

PERILOUS TIMES SHALL COME

...... in the last days (extreme last - last of all days)  perilous ( troublesome or raging insanity) times shall come.... verse 3  says men will be trucebreakers ( not capable of being appeased ) and incontinent ( without self control, fierce, not tame ) among many other behaviors which are also present in today's world.

http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/blog/?p=6907

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SnKjgKGNZM&feature=player_embedded
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/16/world/occupy-wall-street-protests-worldwide.html?_r=1&hp
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/65770.html

WOMEN DRIFTING APART

In his book, Straight Talk to Men and Their Wives, Dr. James Dobson commented on the increase in depression and loneliness among women.  He said that the breakdown today is not between men and women, but between women and women:

     "A century ago, women cooked together, canned together, washed at the creek together, prayed together, went through menopause together, and grew old together.  And when a baby was born, aunts, grandmothers, and neighbors were there to show the new mother how to diaper and feed and discipline.  Great emotional support was provided in this feminine contact.  A woman was never really alone.
     Alas, the situation is very different today.  The extended family has disappeared, depriving the wife of that source of security and fellowship.  Her mother lives in New Jersey and her sister is in Texas.  Furthermore, American families move every three or four years, preventing any long-term friendships from developing among neighbors."

We have in this culture a great need for supportive networks for women.  And the church is the logical place for women to connect with other women of faith.  But are those connections the real, intimate connections that we long for, or are they just superficial gatherings where we never really get to know each other, never pour our hearts out to each other, and never experience the comfort of women who know how to listen, women who genuinely care.  Do we walk away from those gatherings feeling like we haven't really made a connection with anyone, and do we drive home feeling empty, lonely, and wishing for more?

Scroll down and click on the link below titled, Are you lonely? for more on this subject.  

Are You Lonely?

http://www.girlsgonewise.com/are-you-lonely/

Annies Eats

Another great food blog to explore.  This blog reminded me that it's past time to make another batch of homemade vanilla for Christmas gift giving.  Thanks Annie for a great blog.
 http://annies-eats.net/

TEA AT GRANDMA'S

Here''s a link to a lovely post by my sister, titled Tea at Grandma's.  I was planning to blog about our mother daughter tea party this past weekend, but I forgot my camera.  After seeing this post, I know why.  I couldn't have said it better and the photos are great.  Click on the link below and see that women still do have tea parties.  And they should do it more often.  I'm still waiting for the quilting parties to return.  I'll be there.
 http://deanna-wiseman.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html#8966260461507324612

WHY LOVE FAILS

Love is patient.  Love is kind.  It does not envy.  It does not boast.  It is not proud.  It is not rude.  It is not self-seeking.  It is not easily angered.  It keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. -
 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

I don't believe that we are born with the ability to love.  Love must be learned.  The kind of love that is mentioned in the Bible in the above verse does not come naturally.  If you don't have a reverence for God, you can't love the way the Bible describes.  Until we submit to the authority of God we simply don't have the power to love others as God commands.  Love requires dying to self, and we can't do this on our own.  We need the Holy Spirit's help.

It's human nature to think of ourselves first, to look out for number one.   It's human nature to say, " What's in it for me?"  But love is not self-seeking.  Actually, love is serving others and considering others more important than ourselves.  Few of us are really able to do that consistently.  I get off track myself.  There are times when I write something and my mind becomes troubled.  That's the Holy Spirit telling me my words were selfish, prideful, or insensitive.  So I go back and edit my words until I feel okay with the final draft.  Without the Holy Spirit to keep me in check, I'm just not capable of biblical love.

Self-seeking love is the only love many people are capable of.  And I believe this is the reason so many marriages end in divorce.  Couples can't really love one another.  They are too self-seeking in their relationships, and it doesn't take long for one or both spouses to become unhappy with the way they are being treated.  If we want a relationship that lasts, we must become a servant to our spouse.  We must put the other person's needs ahead of our own.And that is not an easy task.  Few are up for the challenge.

But think about the payoff.  When both people are putting aside their selfish desires and serving one another, then both are on the receiving end of unselfish love.  The wife is content.  The husband is content.  Neither one feels like they are in second place.  This is the kind of love God planned for us to display as his children, but how much of it do you see when you look around?  I see a world that thinks it's all about me.  And that is why relationships don't work. 

Selfishness, pride laziness, insensitivity and anything else that kills our ability to love must be put away from us.  We can't do this difficult task without God's help.  If we want successful relationships, we must start with a reverence for God.  We must invite the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.  We need to be held accountable.  Someone has to keep us in check.  Our self-seeking human nature will take over unless we have the love of Christ in our hearts.  If you look at those who have loving, successful relationships, you will most likely see a reverence for God at the core of that relationship.  They are tapped into a power source that helps them die to self and live to serve others.  Selfishness never brought anyone happiness.  The greatest joy happens when we love unselfishly as God commands.  He created us.  He knows what works.

PRICELESS QUOTE

"I don't go to some women because they give the impression that they are too distracted by things in their own lives to hear me.  I don't go to others because I am never sure about their moods.  Sometimes I feel a warmth and openness but just as often I feel as if I am standing before a stone wall.  I usually won't take the risk of going to these women.  But I do go to those who make it easy for me.  I do go to those who tell me by their attitude and words that they are glad I have come."  -Susan Hunt, Spiritual Mothering

Last summer outside of our motel room, during our mother daughter trip to the beach.  No unapproachable girls here.

WHY PRAY FOR ISRAEL?

"It is an infection that grows more virulent. Anti-Semitism is on the rise around the world. American universities are among the most receptive hosts of the infection. Professors inculcate students with the venom of luciferic hatred for the Jewish state. Israel is increasingly made the root cause of all that is wrong within the Middle Eastern cauldron.

Like in the days of Hitler’s rise in the mid-1930s, the Jew is made to look like the troublemaker of the world in politics and in business. From the imploding economy to the threatened war over the Palestinian refugees, Israel is the focus of attention.  
Israel–and the Jewish people—are being isolated, just as the prophets of the Old and New Testament foretold."

Terry from Rapture Ready

Israel needs your prayers.  God's word instructs us to pray for Israel.(Psalm 122:6)

Pray that the United Nations will fail in their attempts to divide Israel with the creation of a Palestinian State.

Pray the promise of God that Israel will never be divided into two kingdoms again.

Pray also that the United States will remain a strong supporter and faithful ally of Israel

Finally, pray for the peace of Jerusalem, as God's word instructs us to do 

Click on the link below for reasons why Christians should pray for Israel and to view a written prayer that you can print out and use as a prayer guide.

http://christianity.about.com/od/prayersforspecificneeds/qt/prayerforisrael.htm


Isolating Israel 
from Rapture Ready
http://www.raptureready.com/index.php 
 
Israel continues to be made the hold-up to peace in the Middle East, thus the stumbling block to peace for the whole world. That nation’s isolation is being maneuvered and manipulated by pressures from every direction.
The Islamist nations of the region hate the Jewish state–while at the same time refusing to acknowledge it even exists. They surround Israel on all sides except the Mediterranean side. Submarines of Israel’s enemies even lurk in those waters, awaiting the right time to strike.

The countries within the United Nations, led by the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, are for the most part overwhelmingly opposed to Israel in every vote taken that involves Israel’s right to exist and thrive in that land the UN antagonists proclaim belongs to the Palestinians.  The European Union (EU) consistently comes down on the side of the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) demands that Israel give up whatever territory necessary to accommodate the two-state solution–thus to construct a homeland for the Palestinian refugees. This is demanded, although the refugees are from the surrounding Arab states, nations that prefer to keep the hapless refugees in geographical limbo so hatred of the Jews and accusations that the Jews are cruel occupiers can continue to spew forth.

At the same time, Israel has absorbed thousands upon thousands of those refugees under legal emigration practices. Those émigrés are among the most content people in the Middle East because they are treated fairly and allowed to prosper by the Israeli government and the Jewish citizenry.  The entire world comes against Israel in the form of the Quartet (US, UN, EU, and Russia) who, while putting up a façade that the group of powerful nations wants fairness and peace for all people of the Mid-East region, in actuality works through deceit and subterfuge to force Israel to give up land in every negotiation that comes up in the "Roadmap to Peace" process. 

Most troubling–for me, at least, and for those who watch this process unfolding from a premillennial, pretribulational Bible prophecy perspective—is that the United States is at the forefront of the arm-twisting in dealing with Israeli leadership. This is plainly demonstrated despite peripheral niceties by U.S. administration officials. The following recent report is a case in point. 

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel must find a way to resume negotiations with the Palestinians and has a responsibility to try to ease tensions with its neighbors in the region, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Monday amid prodding from the United States to return to peace talks. 

Standing next to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, Barak pushed back a bit on the Pentagon chief's warning that Israel is becoming increasingly isolated in the region, threatening its security. And he offered no new thoughts on the thorny issues that have stymied the peace talks, including the proposed timetable and the contested settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. 

Making his first trip to Israel as defense secretary, Panetta has pressed the Obama administration's view that the two sides must restart the long-stalled peace talks. And during a news conference with Barak, Panetta said it's time for bold action by both sides to move toward a negotiated two-state solution.
The visit comes amid new international pressure to reach a peace deal by the end of next year, fueled by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' move two weeks ago asking the U.N. Security Council to recognize an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza Strip. (Lolita C. Baldor, "Barak: Israel-Palestinians Must Find Path to Talks," Associated Press, 10/3/11) 

The U.S. State Department operatives and the Quartet negotiators are concerned about Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas' asking the UN Security Council a couple of weeks ago to acknowledge the presence of an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. They want to avoid a vote on granting this, and prefer that both parties sit down and negotiate Israel’s acquiescence in giving up land for peace. Regardless of the façade of wanting a peaceful solution, the international community, like Abbas–like all of the Jew-hating Islamists—won’t relent until Israel gives them what they want. The deadly, humanistic peace plan stems from a satanic rage long ago prophesied to come to a climax at the end of the age, just before Christ’s return. 

OUR HOPE

The video below states that there is no hope.  It also states that your religion is irrelevant.  I don't agree with these statements, but I posted the video because he makes some valid points.  I believe we do have hope.  God is our hope.  "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."
People simply are seeking the wrong things and that is why they falter.  In this time of great uncertainty, it would be wise to seek the greatest kingdom and cling to the promises of God. 


"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28

Global Collapse

"180" Movie

HOME IS WHEREVER I'M WITH YOU

SO CLOSE, SO REAL

My day was filled with so many good things.  I just got back from the pregnancy center where I volunteer once a week.  Some nights we have no clients scheduled to come in, so we get a chance to chat about life, God, and the amazing ways that God works in our lives and the lives of others. We got to talking about the Bible, and  I shared with three other women how I often let my bible fall open to a random page in hope that it will hold a special verse that God chose just for me, a verse that will be perfect for whatever problem or concern I'm facing at that moment.  Today I did my little Bible trick and after several tries I came across a verse that brought tears to my eyes.  It was as if God was speaking directly to me about the very thing I had on my mind.  The verse was basically telling me that God will continue to prosper me and my children. 


"Do you really think God honors such a thing?" I asked our client services director.  Would he really honor my Bible trick and let my Bible fall open to a verse that brought me so much encouragement.  "Yes! she said without hesitation.  I believe God honors every attempt we make to seek Him.  And He knows your heart, Danelle.  Whenever we come to Him like little children and ask for Him to reveal himself, He always honors that."  Her answer was so well-worded, I wish I could remember everything she said, but as she spoke, her words were so comforting and I knew what she said was true.  It was as if God himself was sitting beside me and confirming, "Yes, Danelle, that was me.  I did that for you." 


Ever since I've been praying for God to show himself to me every day, I'm having more and more moments like this.  Moments where I'll see something, read something, or hear something that seems to be a message just for me that's coming straight from God.  My daily prayer is, "Please God, let me see you in this day."  Whenever I pray that prayer, I experience a moment in my day that takes my breath away, brings tears to my eyes, or gives me goosebumps.  It's a moment that is so clearly of God because only He knows me so well.   He knows the things that hold special meaning for me, and he uses those things to reveal himself.  Or He uses godly people to reassure me when I'm troubled about something.


The idea of asking God to physically show himself as I go about my day, came to me after reading, "Twelve days out with God," a book that encourages the reader to invite God along when traveling to various places such as a museum, a restaurant, a park and even the mall.  The book showed me that wherever I go, God will be there.  "God desires to become so close to us that he wants us to feel we could almost reach out and touch Him," the book says.  After reading the book, I realized that God is always willing to share himself with me.  He wants to be found.  All I have to do is ask and then keep my eyes open and wait for the moment when I hear Him, see Him, feel His presence.  And if I have doubts that it was Him in that moment, He'll reassure me, saying, "Yes, Danelle, that was me.  I did that for you."


"God is actively involved and interested in every part of our lives, no matter how big or small.  He cares deeply about how we feel and what we do, and he wants to have an on-going relationship with us," the book claims.  But the only way you can know that is true is if you make the effort to discover it for yourself.   The Bible tells us that we will find God when we seek Him with all of our hearts.


I'm planning to say that same prayer tomorrow, "Please God, let me see you in this day."  I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

IMPARTING GRACE

We all need Grace.  As a writer, I need it too.  There are times when what I write rubs people the wrong way.  So I need Grace from my readers.  I need them to believe that my intentions are good and if I point out flaws, I do it to bring improvement not hurt.

We all need Grace.  I need grace on those days when I'm too tired to carry on a conversation, so I get in and get out as quick as I can, hoping I won't have to chat with anyone.  I need grace on the days when I have things on my mind, so I might walk right past you and not even see you.  I need grace on the days when I chastise my daughter publicly instead of waiting until we get to the car.  Teenagers can be very disrespectful and that's one thing I won't tolerate, so it's hard for me to keep my cool.  I need grace.

I also need to extend grace.  In a moment of excitement, people make promises they can't keep.  They say impulsive things they later regret.  Parents react rudely when they're stressed or shy people can be seen as snobs.  "Extend grace," I say to myself.  The truth is, we've all had those moments when we wonder if we spoke too harshly, when we regret the way we worded something,  when we wish that we could turn back time and say or do it over.  We extend grace because we ourselves will need grace before this day is over.     

WOMEN LACKING UNITY

You've heard the phrase, "United We Stand, Divided We Fall."  I've been wondering lately how many of our problems can be blamed on a lack of unity among Christians.  When asked what he thought was the biggest problem facing the church today, Pat Robertson said, "Lack of unity."  His answer intrigued me because I see the same problem in churches today, but I tend to focus on the lack of unity among women in the church.  And one of my goals as a writer and speaker is to build a greater sense of unity among Christian women. 


Why is it so hard for women, even Christian women, to love each other and work together?  I believe the answer lies in where they are looking for their sense of worth and security.  If a woman finds her security in Christ, she'll have no reason to distance herself from women in the church.  But if a woman finds her security in the things of the world, then she'll have every reason to compete with her sisters in Christ rather than to love them.


I have yet to walk into a church, even my own church, and feel a strong sense of love and respect among the women there. Instead what I see is women who purposely keep their distance from one another.  I see unwelcoming body language and women who again and again walk right past me without even making eye contact.  

Some days I want to stand up and shout, "What's wrong here!  Why do we bother coming into this building every week if we're going to treat each other like strangers, even rivals?  Where is the love of Christ?  Why do women have such a hard time displaying that love to each other?


The reason is that our culture sends some very strong messages to women and most of us believe those lies.  Our culture shouts, "You gotta be on top of your game." The world tells women that image is everything and we must portray a perfect and accomplished image.  And because we are so in-tune with this pressure the world puts on women to be beautiful, busy and successful multi-taskers , we tend to see other women as our competition instead of as our sisters in Christ.  It's very sad how we've been brainwashed to value worldly opinions more than the word of God. 

The love of Christ is not always evident in the way women relate to one another within the church.  I've heard other women say this same thing.  They're frustrated because they don't feel that they're a part of a circle of friends who encourage and support one another.  Women long for that.  It's biblical for women to mentor each other and uplift one another, but it's hard to encourage women when you feel so distant from them.  I've often wondered what I can do to change this, but have yet to find an answer.

I believe that women are the backbone of the church. If there's a lack of unity there, the whole church suffers.  We need to take a good look at how we relate to each other.  We need to make more of an effort to reach out to each other and display gestures of friendliness, even if it's just a smile.  Don't walk past your sister in Christ without so much as a smile.  Make eye contact.  Let her know you see her as a friend not a competitor.  If women don't stand united, the church they love is going to fall apart.

NO CHILL IN THE KITCHEN

Fall is a great time to get inspired to bake something.  Apples, pumpkin, ginger, cinnamon, maple, and caramel are just some of the wonderful ingredients that come to mind when summer's ending and there's a chill in the air.  Check out the link below for 150 of the best fall recipes.
http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2011/09/05/150-best-fall-recipes/

THE POWER OF CRYING OUT

By Danelle Carvell

If you sleep well, don't take it for granted.  Lately, every night when I lay my head down to sleep, it's like going into battle. I have my earplugs, my eye shades for the early morning hours, my aspirin for when the muscle and joint pain starts.  I have my melatonin, my herbal remedies, my calcium tablets, and my estrogen pills.  Even with all this ammunition, I lay there for hours but can't fall asleep. 

I hesitate to share this again,  but I must because I think it might help people who are struggling with just about anything. My insomnia started five years ago after a bad reaction to a prescription drug.  I've since learned that the drug Lupron causes permanent neurological damage.  

Basically, I haven't slept like a normal person for five years.  Sometimes I get a little relief and I'm able to sleep three to four hours a night at most.  But it's not unusual for me to go two nights in a row with no sleep whatsoever.  That's when things get bad.  Anyone who goes that long without sleep will begin to show physical signs of fatigue.  One of those signs is a nervous twitch that can quickly turn into uncontrollable shaking of the arms and legs, similar to a seizure. 


We're all struggling with something, and this is my struggle.  Sleep is very necessary.  People just can't function without it.  I'm very fortunate in many ways and I'm not writing this to throw a pity party.  I'm sharing this because I want to tell you how I deal with it.  I also want to share a small but mighty book that has the power to change your life as it did mine. 


The book is titled, The Power of Crying Out: When Prayer Becomes Mighty by Bill Gothard.  The author's discovery that the Bible makes a distinction between "prayer" and "crying out to God" is at the heart of this book.  Gothard also noticed in his own life that God often did nothing to help him until he cried out with deep emotion.  The Bible says, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."  But as the author points out, our prayers lack the kind of fervency God requires for effective results. 


Another thing Gothard noticed was how the Bible reveals a pattern of God's people crying out and then He finally answers.  Yet many believers are unaware of this consistent pattern in God's word.  David found that when he uttered aloud with such deep and sincere emotion, God heard him.  Crying out is the turning point for so many suffering people in the Bible.  When Jonah landed in the belly of a great fish he cried out.  When Peter began to sink at the Sea of Galilee, he cried out.  When the Israelites were caught in the bondage of slavery in Egypt, they cried out.  Each time a point of desperation was reached, and instead of praying, these people cried out to God and He rescued them.


Fortunately for us, this phenomenon still happens.  I know because I experience it regularly.   I find that when I'm at my wits end, I'm totally exhausted, and I can't take another moment without sleep, I cry out to God in desperation.  The tears fall, my voice quivers, and I am crying out, begging for relief.   Each time I reach that point, God hears me and He allows me to drift peacefully to sleep soon after.


"God delights in showing himself strong on behalf of anyone who is facing an impossible situation," says Gothard. He offers many examples of this in the book.  A Michigan farmer got his sleeve caught in a piece of farm machinery and realized that in seconds he would be crushed to death.  He cried out in a loud voice, "Oh God save me!"  At that instant the engine stalled and he broke free.  After checking the engine, he found no mechanical reason for the stall.  God had stopped the engine in response to the farmer's cry.  


"It is the heartfelt cry that always reconnects the people back to God and His grace and mercy," says the author.  Scripture invites us to call upon God for help:  "The righteous cry out and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles." -Psalm 34:17.  This is a promise from God and there are many examples in the book that prove it's true, even today.  People with financial problems were led to answers after crying out to God.  A man who couldn't find employment for over a year was offered a job after his daughter walked to a quiet place and cried out, "Oh God, deliver my father from unemployment!"  When they did more than pray, when they cried out to God with all their hearts, God responded powerfully. 


"God's ultimate purpose in all creation is to demonstrate His glory," the author states.  What better way to do that than to rescue His children whey they cry out to Him.  Each time I fall asleep after crying out to God my faith grows.  I am simply amazed at the awesome power that's available to me and it makes me feel foolish that I don't use it more often.  Crying out is effective not only for myself, but for others as well.  I can cry out on behalf of my loved ones who are struggling or hurting.  God's timely response will always come according to what He determines is the best schedule;  sometimes God delays His answer the author points out.  But we must continue to cry out in faith if we want help.  


God honors humility, and there's nothing more humbling than being on your face before Him with tears dripping onto the carpeting, your voice so shaken that your words couldn't be understood by anyone but God.  Maybe this is what's been missing from your life.  Maybe this is why your prayers haven't been answered.  Yes, it does feel strange and uncomfortable at first but so is the pain you've been carrying. What if relief will not come until you swallow your pride, set aside your doubts and humble yourself before God, the only one who can really help you?

I'll close this post with the last few sentences from the book:  "Take your anxieties and burdens and worries before your heavenly Father.  Humble yourself and cry aloud to Him with all your heart.  He will hear you just as He has promised.  And your life will begin to change from that hour." 

Hope in a Slowing Economy

The reality of a slowing economy is hitting home with many Americans.  Even those who refused to believe that we're heading toward an economic collapse are seeing that things are not getting better.  This isn't just a cycle that will come back around.  Really, how can we recover from a 14 trillion dollar debt and record-setting unemployment that can't possibly improve because the jobs just aren't there.  We are no longer a producer nation.  We sent a great deal of our business, industry and jobs overseas.  How can we recover from that?  Even the Great American chocolate bar is no longer American made.

But there is hope.  Click on the link below.
 Hope in a Slowing Economy

ANOTHER REMINDER, DON'T PUT IT OFF

"An article by Mimi Hall in USA TODAY states, 'Most Americans haven't taken steps to prepare for a natural disaster, terrorist attack or other emergency, according to a new study on preparedness, and only about a third have made plans with family members about how they would communicate with each other during a crisis.'

 

Part of the reason... why people of faith neglect preparedness has to do with an odd defeatism that says, 'If current events are prophesied to happen, then there’s nothing we can do about it anyway.'

 

The notion that calamity is unavoidable if it is divinely predicted is even sanctioned by some expositors who miss the pattern for preparedness in the Bible. While it is true that famine was prophesied for Egypt, it is also a fact that God led Joseph to prepare for it, and, as a result, he saved his family and the nations around about.

 

Proverbs 22:3 tells us that a prudent person will foresee such difficulties and prepare for them, while a simpleton will go blindly on and suffer the consequences. This is good advice not only for religious folks, but also people of any persuasion."

The above quote was taken from the link below.  The link includes a video about disaster preparedness and an interesting article below it.  I normally don't post videos that advertise products, but this video is well put together and worth a look. Watch the entire video.  There's good stuff at the end.  For more information about preparing for disasters, click on the Be Prepared label on the right side of my page.

  http://www.raidersnewsupdate.com/prepare.htm

FRANKENFOOD ON THE TABLE

I posted articles about genetically modified food in the past.  This article is worth a look.  Would you eat a tomato if you knew it was genetically cross bred with an arctic flounder?  That way the tomato won't freeze while on the vine.  Some people call it Frankenfood because scientists are genetically altering so many of the foods we eat.  Thirty countries around the world, including Peru and Hungary, have either banned or have plans to ban GMOs. Here in the United States, you’re on your own. GMOs aren’t even regulated.  If you haven't read about GMO food, this is a good place to start.  Once again, ignoring it won't protect you from being harmed by it.  Knowledge is power.   
 http://foodfreedom.wordpress.com/2011/09/24/how-are-genetically-engineered-crops-affecting-foods/

THE REASON FOR YOUR HEADACHE?

While we're on the subject of food and food additives that aren't good for you, Jill posted a good article on MSG and why we should avoid it at Jill's Home Remedies.  She makes a good point: "Ignoring the facts won't keep you from being harmed by the products that contain MSG."  
http://jillshomeremedies.blogspot.com/2011/09/msg.html

SOME THINGS ARE WORTH THE EFFORT

My daughter has a stomach ulcer and I've been searching the web for natural cures and what foods she should avoid to quicken healing.  I suspect that the food she eats is partly to blame for her stomach's rebellion.  If it were up to me, I would throw out every box of processed food in our pantry and never buy it again.  I did try that about a year ago, but it wasn't long before I heard complaints about the poor selection of snacks.  "Where are the Ritz?"  "Where are the chips?"  I soon caved in and the pantry was once again stuffed with snack food that's full of preservatives, artificial flavors and colors, soy, and other ingredients that are just plain bad for our bodies.  If you still think soy is health food, read Sick Food, Not Health Food, under the Healthy Eating label on the right side of my blog.

I don't think the food she eats at the school cafeteria is any healthier.  So I bought her a cool lunch bag to encourage her to pack lunches.  Now the problem is finding food to pack in that lunch bag that she will actually eat and that isn't loaded with unhealthy ingredients.  It means a lot more work for me because to eat healthy means making food from scratch or taking the time to read labels.  But some things are just worth the effort.  I have managed to stop buying cookies unless they are organic.  I make most of the cookies we eat from scratch.  And I found a great alternative to pop tarts.  Nature's Path Organic toaster pastries are better than pop tarts in my opinion.  You can find them in the organic foods section of certain grocery stores.

Little by little, I'm making changes to the way we eat.  I'm more selective about what I put in the grocery cart.  And I'm discovering that I can find healthy alternatives to most snack foods.  I recently discovered an organic granola bar that everyone in the family loves.  And of all places, I found it at Wal-Mart.  It was hiding on the bottom shelf.  The brand name is CLIF all natural crunch granola bars, and they come in chocolate chip and white chocolate macadamia nut. Look for a blue box.

Grocery shopping takes twice as long since I've become a label reader, but my family's health is worth it.  I even found a brand of chips with only three ingredients: potatoes, sunflower oil and sea salt.  Martin's Kettle Gold chips have become my favorite.  I also make kettle corn in a popcorn popper with peanut oil and it is delicious.  You need a popper that's made to be used with oil, and it must have a turning rod that stirs the sugar covered kernels so they don't burn.  (I add the sugar)  This is the popcorn that's both sweet and salty, so it is hard to resist.  And I can feel good about serving it because it's just popcorn, oil, salt and sugar.

Now if I could just find a recipe for those Little Debbie pumpkin delights my daughter loves, I'll have one less box to buy at the grocery store.  That's my goal, to bring home fewer boxes and to make more food from scratch.  Could I duplicate a Ritz cracker?   That might be pushing it.  The link below is a wonderful site for making food from scratch.  The barbeque sauce is one I'm going to try and that chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting, yum!  Check it out.  She posts lots of photos and they'll make your mouth water.  Go straight to the desserts.  You'll be hooked.
http://www.simplyscratch.com/

SWEET THINGS

My grandma was a pie baker.  It's how she made her living.  I was very young when she spent all day making pies and delivering them to local restaurants and stores, but I have memories of being in my Memmy's baking room.  What I remember are the dried apples that sat on baking sheets atop the stove and the big green tins that sat under her workspace.  Those tins held lard, flour, sugar, and other ingredients that she used to create her delicious cheese pies, fruit pies, and what we called "fish" pies.  Members of our family have tried to recreate the fish pie, but it's never the same as I remember.  Her fish pie had a thick green-grey molasses filling with a thick soft crust.  

I wish I could have spent time with Memmy and learned her baking secrets.  One thing that has always been a challenge for me is pie dough.  I most enjoy making cakes and cupcakes and have perfected three kinds: applesauce, banana, and chocolate as well as three frostings: cream cheese, chocolate, and peanut butter.  But pies are something I never really took an interest in because making good pie dough seemed such a mystery as well as a hassle. 

At this time of year, when apples are in season, I always get the urge to bake an apple pie.  I found the link below tonight while searching for apple pie recipes.  The website itself is one worth exploring.  If nothing else, you'll learn how to make good pie dough and the secrets to a flaky crust.  Then you can use your favorite recipe for the filling.  Perhaps pumpkin.  

Under the link I posted some photos of my cake creations.  Far from professional, but perhaps they'll inspire you.   It's such fun to create sweet things in the kitchen.  Kids love to help too, so get baking.
 http://www.simplebites.net/lets-bake-an-apple-pie/

THE LAST DAY OF SUMMER

I always hate to see it go.  Another summer has passed.  Tomorrow is the first day of autumn.  Although we have a few more warm days to look forward to, the calendar tells me that it's soon time to unpack my sweaters.  Weeks ago I felt that first chill of autumn.  Last night I heard that chirping sound in the woods that always begins at this time of year.  I call them crickets, but they're probably not crickets.  I'm not sure what they are, maybe frogs, but they're one of the first signs of fall. 

MY FAVORITE SUMMER SPOT

I noticed another sign today, a small patch of leaves in the woods below our house is turning from green to red. The view from my kitchen window is our back yard lined with a dense area of trees.  I look out that window every day as I'm washing dishes.  That's where our bluebird boxes are too.  I put them there so I could watch the bluebirds while I'm doing my least favorite chore.  Every now and then a bluebird flies up to our deck and sits on the banister, which is just feet away from my dish washing post.  I love when that happens.  It's as if that bird flies up to visit me.  Maybe he knows that he wouldn't have a home if not for me.  The bluebird boxes were a gift from someone I wrote a story for.

CATS LOVE SUMMER TOO.

The sun is different.  It seems less intense than it was all summer.  I guess it's hitting earth at a different angle, so it's warmth and light are much softer than the summer sun.  There's always one day each summer when I notice the sun has a different feel to it.  That day came much sooner than usual this year.  I wasn't ready for it, but I guess I never am.  Who wants to say goodbye to summer and all its pleasures of lush green grass, fresh fruit, flowers, family gatherings, and warm fun.

THE LAST DAISY OF SUMMER

But I do love this time of year.  I love to bite into a juicy McIntosh apple fresh from the Friday Farmers Market.  I love bringing home that first bag of caramels and dipping those apples in gooey golden goodness.  Caramel apples are heaven on a stick.  Another great thing about autumn is the local fall festivals and fairs.  The annual craft fair in Hegins, PA has become quite the event.  Creative people fascinate me, and there's no shortage of them at this fair, which gets bigger each year.   I usually come home with a fall wreath for my front door or some other decorative item for my home, but this year we decided on something more practical, a hand made corn broom.  My husband says it will last forever.

I'm not sure that I would choose for summer to last forever.  I love three out of the four seasons we see here in Pennsylvania.  Even winter has its charms.  It just tends to lose its charm after about six weeks.  It's the lack of sunshine and warmth that gets to me.  Sitting in the sun with a strawberry daquiri and a good book  is my favorite place to be.  I guess I'll have to dust off that sun lamp we bought.  I could set up a cozy chair in my room, buy a bag of white sand and place it in a tub at my feet.  I could dig out my CD of ocean sounds and pretend I'm there.  Maybe all it takes to get through winter is a little creativity.

SHE THINKS THIS IS HER THRONE

Today is the last day of summer and I'm trying to stay positive.  Maybe I'll go unpack my sweaters.  I kind of miss my sweaters.  But I'll really miss that praying mantis that showed up at my bedroom window so many times this summer.  I'll miss the hummingbirds and butterflies too.  I'll miss my vegetable amd herb garden.  And driving to Rita's for Italian ice.  I'll miss painting my toe nails, wearing flip flops and open toe shoes.  Sitting out on the deck at night with candles burning.  I'll miss campfires in the back yard.  Roasting marshmallows, making mountain pies and looking up at a summer evening sky.  Summer is a wondrous time when everything comes to life, including me.  That's why I hate to see it go.

ONE OF MANY VISITS FROM MY FAVORITE INSECT

TOXIC CLEANING IS KINDA STUPID

Are you tired of bringing toxic chemicals into your home to keep it clean.  Think about how stupid that is.  The link below has great recipes for making your own cleaners, bug sprays, mildew remover, even play dough for fun.  These easy recipes and videos show you how to make natural organic bug spray, window cleaner, liquid dish soap, laundry detergent, all purpose cleaner, shower cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner and play dough for your kids.  Check it out. Just click on the make it yourself (DIY) category. http://elizabethskindcafe.com/

GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE HEALTH

"You really should get educated about what is in the food that you eat.  For example, The Street recently compiled a list of 15 major food companies that actually add wood pulp to our food.
Even many "healthy foods" are being tampered with.  A lot of our fruits and our vegetables have been genetically modified and the government even puts dangerous substances such as fluoride into our drinking water.
Everywhere we turn we are being poisoned.  Like millions of other Americans, I once ate and drank whatever I wanted to without ever thinking about whether it was good for me or not.
As someone once said, many of us have been literally digging our graves with our teeth."  The above comment is from the link below, which you'll find interesting , and your health is worth the time it takes to read it.
http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/billions-spent-on-a-cure-for-cancer-and-yet-cancer-rates-continue-to-explode